Part of the job for a first-year coach is installing different culture and traditions at his new school.

Chad Morris instituted another one at Arkansas this week when his senior players were carried off the field following Tuesday’s practice. Morris explained the new tradition during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference, and he also looked ahead to this weekend’s game between the Razorbacks (2-9, 0-7 SEC) and Missouri (7-4, 3-4) at 2:30 p.m. ET on Friday in Columbia.

You can read Morris’ responses to teleconference questions below.

On LSU DC Dave Aranda:

  • They have a great third-down blitz package, always seem to have a new wrinkle. They constantly pursue the football.

How has the team responded this week?

  • They have done a really good job. The energy level has been high. Everyone understands that we have to pull together. They’ve done a good job this week.

On the running backs’ status?

  • They will all be ready to go this week. They will ready to go on Friday.

On Cole Kelley working as a scout-team tight end:

  • They have some big physical tight ends. That move was to help our defense.

On Derrick Munson, will he travel with the team to Mizzou?

  • No, Derrick has stepped away (from the program).

On players facing former high school teammates this week

  • Any time you get to play a team from your home state, there’s those connections there.

Will you do anything special for Thanksgiving with the team?

  • We had our Thanksgiving meal as a team last night, and we will have something tomorrow as well before we leave for Mizzou.

On the seniors being lifted off the field following practice

  • That’s something we’ve done for a long time. It recognizes all the work they put in. It’s the start of a tradition here. It’s an opportunity to say thank you to those guys that have worked so hard here.